When it comes to your windows, you might think that glass is glass. But when choosing the panes for your replacement windows in Mesa, AZ the technologies have changed. There are a lot of features to consider before making your final decision. The style and material you choose will have a huge impact on the comfort, natural light, and energy efficiency in your home. Here are some important things to know:

1. Number of Panes

First thing, you want to think about how many panes of glass you want between you and the outdoors. With the intense Arizona heat you want glass that will insulate your home. Single-pane windows won’t cut it anymore. Double-pane windows are the modern standard, but you can even choose triple-glazing for extra protection.

2. Gas Fills

In addition to the number of panes, you also want to consider what is sandwiched between the panes. It isn’t just air. Most manufacturers hermetically seal a special odorless, colorless gas that has more density. This slows heat transfer and gives you even better energy savings. The two typical gases include krypton and argon.

3. Reflective Coatings

In warmer climates like Mesa, AZ manufacturers use special coatings that bounce sunlight away from your windows, keeping the unwanted heat out of your home. The most common are bronze, silver, and gold. But with these you lose both light and heat, making your house look dark.

4. Colored Window Tints

Yet another option is colored window tints that reduce the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient. They are often blue or green in color, or grey and bronze. Some tints can absorb as much as 45% of the solar radiation. They can also reduce the glare from visible light transmittance. But they still are not as effective as the next option.

5. Low-E Glass

This is usually the preferred option for homeowners in the area. Unlike reflective coatings, this glazing technology still allows plenty of natural light. For this application manufacturers use an ultra-thin metallic oxide coating applied directly to certain surfaces on the window pane, depending on the functionality. They still allow high levels of visible light to pass through the glass. But they also reflect the radiant heat.

6. Transition Technology

Like the transition lenses on eyeglasses, some window manufacturers are looking to implement this kind of technology for larger applications. These window technologies use either electricity or temperature to transition windows and block unwanted light and heat. Unfortunately it is very expensive and still in the research phase of production. But before long you are sure to see some of these products more readily available on the window market.

Choosing the Right Window Glazing for Your Home

When it comes to glazing options you should base your decision on orientation, building design, climate, and window style. If you have any questions about glazing options for new windows Mesa contact the experts at Freelite. We provide an easy, hassle-free, no-pressure way to buy windows. We also will help you find the right products at the right price. Call us today at (602) 233-1981. Or stop by 331 W. McDowell Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85003 to check out some of our window products.